Is it true that animals can sense pregnancy?

Some pet lovers swear they can. Although there's no scientific evidence to back up this claim, many women say their pets knew they were pregnant before they did – or at least could tell something was up.

Research suggests that some dogs, for example, can detect cancer by smell, so it's possible they could smell changes in your body during pregnancy, too.

Anecdotal evidence includes dogs following more closely than usual and barking or growling in protection, and cats rubbing against – or sitting on – a pregnant woman's belly. One expectant BabyCenter mom says that whenever she lies down, her cat lies right next to her and puts one paw on her belly.

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